Self-contained air conditioning room unit



April 5, 1938.

A. WEILAND ET AL SELF CONTAINED AIR CONDITIONING ROOM UNIT 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed July 13, 1933 April 5, 1938. A. wElLAND'Er'AL l 2,112,870

, SELF CONTAINED AIR CONDITIONING ROOM UNIT Filed July 13, 1933 2 SheetsFSheet 2 INVENTORS AWE-ILAND l Al Patented Apr. 5, 1938 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SELF-CONTAINED AIR CONDITIONING BOOM UNIT Delaware Application July 13, 1933, Serial No. 680,182

16 Claims.

This invention relates ,generally to air conditioning apparatus of the self-contained room unit type employing a refrigerating system having a compressor, an evaporator over which room air is circulated and a condenser cooled by outside air, the invention relating more specifically to improved means and arrangement of elements whereby the unit will operate quietly and efiiciently.

It is of course highly desirable that air conditioning apparatus of the type located in the room to be cooled should operate quietly. While it is well known that boxes or other forms of enclosures are sometimes used to house the usual noisy elements of air conditioning apparatus in case such elements are placed in the room or adjacent thereto, yet such prior arrangements are usually of an awkward character and consume an excessive amount of space and require special installation piping, this being particularly true with those systems where the motor-compressor is remote from the room cooling unit.

The objection of excessive space and complicated installation piping is overcome by the use of selfcontained units especially of the type employing an air cooled condenser but the silencing of such a unit requires more than the mere provision of an enclosure for a noisy element such as a compressor. For example, in our present invention a compressor enclosure is arranged in such a manner that it is an integral and coordinated part of the entire unit so as to not only silence the compressor but also functionally cooperate with the unit to form separate air passages for both the room air and outside condenser cooling air particularly in combination with an outside cabinet placed over the unit in substantially open spaced relation thereto and substantially physically independently thereof. Hence it is seen that a desirable self-contained room unit must have various phases of operation eiectively coordinated in order to function eiiiciently in controlling and directing the air flows and to also (Cl. (i2-129) to the outside, although this air stream may if desired be arranged to cool only the condenser or the compressor or its lubricant cooling coil.

Another object is to provide not only the selfcontained passage within the unit for conducting 5 outside air therethrough but also to provide an improved inlet created by having a cabinet suitably enclose the unit in preferably open spaced relation thereto with little or no contact therewith and'preferably with the lower edges of the 10 cabinet slightly spaced from the iloor at the front and two ends of the unit or portions thereof whereby room air may circulate beneath said lower edges and thence upwardly into the unit. The cabinet thereby serves the further function 15 of a secondary enclosure for the compressor enclosure and also acts as a baille against noises issuing from the air circulating mechanism.

A further object is to provide suitable means for ltering the air in combination with our improved arrangement of air passages and noise silencing means, and also to provide in combination .with these air passages improved means for supplying fresh air to the room.

Other objects and advantages will be more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective of our improved arrangement partially broken away to show details 30 of construction;

Fig. 2 is a vertical longitudinal section through one end of the unit showing the manner in which our improved arrangement cooperates with makeup or Ventilating air supplied from the outside 35 air duct;

Fig. 3 is a vertical transverse section diagrammatically illustrating one relation of the cabinet to the unit;

Fig. 4 is a perspective o1' a unit with the cabi- 40 net omitted and embodying a modified lter arrangement for enclosing the fans and for also presenting a relatively large filter area to permit a relatively low air velocity therethrough to reduce air resistance. 45

Fig. 5 is an enlarged end View of the fresh air outlet and valve taken online 5 5 of Fig. 2.

The invention as illustrated herein is particularly adapted for a room cooler unit of the general form shown in the application of H. L. 50 Galson, Serial No. 648,772, filed December 24,

. 1932 together with the improved fabricated structure for supportingy and housing the various refrigerating and air circulating devices such as shown in the application of A. Weiland, led 55 June 29, 1933, Serial No. 678,242. Hence the details bf construction and arrangement of parts herein, except as otherwise noted, are to be considered the same as shown in said Galson and 4of the type placed preferably within the room to be cooled, adjacent any suitable opening in the wall such for example as a window whereby outside air may be used to cool the condenser.

The unit comprises a base I having standards 2 and 3 preferably formed of sheet metal extending for the full depth of the base I and supporting a room air fan 4 and outside air fan l. The blowers for these fans are actuated preferably by a common motor 6 suitably supported by base I. Blower 4 communicates with an air duct, generally indicated at 1, supported horizontally between the standards 2 and 3 and a similarly supported air duct 3 communicates with blower 5. It will be noted that the blowers communicate with `their respective ducts at opposite ends thereof, i. e., blower 4 communicates with duct 'I at the end thereof which is adjacent to standard 3 while blower 5 communicates with duct 8 adjacent standard 2. Standard 2 may be formed in any suitable manner to provide a wall or partition, preferably from al single piece oi' sheet metal, so as to c'ooperate with our improved motor-compressor enclosurel to form a definite passage in a manner to be described later.

Supported over passages 'I and 3 are respectively heat exchange elements 9 and I0. When the unit operates as a room cooler, element I9 is a condenser and element 9 the evaporator, these being suitably connected through any .suitable trap system diagrammatically indicated at 9' to the motor-compressor unit I0' to eil'ect the usual refrigerating cycle. Suitable sheet metal ducts II and I2, with connecting end sheets I3 and I4 provide a passageway in which the evaporator 9 and condenser Il are disposed, whereby air flowing upwardly through passages 1 and 3 will flow over the condenser and evaporator. 'I'he passage II for evaporator 9 is uncovered at the top to permit the air to flow freely into the room. A suitable outlet opening is provided in the top of a cabinet II to register with the open top of duct l I. However, a closure I6 is provided over duct I2 so that air flowing therein is directed outwardly as indicated by arrowed line I6' through suitable openings I'I in a backplate I8. This backplate is preferably secured to the standards 2 and 3 so as to assist in forming part of the motor-compressor enclosure, while the cabinet has a top and front and end panels leaving an open back to be clom by the backplate. The cabinet may therefore be easily moved over the front of the unit to enclose the same, leaving open spaces or passages such as I5' at the sides and ends of the unit, although the top of the cabinet is relatively closely placed on top of the unit. f There is also provided suitable transversely arcuate filters 29 disposed longitudinally within room air duct 1 and outside air duct 9. CondeusateA disposal trays 2I are provided in each of said ducts. I

Outside air normally flows inwardly, as indicated by arrowed line I3', through a'suitable duct (not shown) leading from a window opening to an self-contained within the unit, while at the same time effectively providing a simplified noise silencing enclosure for the motor-compressor unit, we have provided specifically a three-sided enclosure member generally indicated at 23 having a top 24 and sides 25 and 26, although various other arrangements and number of sides may be employed in accordance with the disclosure herein. This member may be formed of sheet metal or other suitable material and may be provided with sound insulating material generally indicated at 21 on either the inside or outside or both. I'he top and sides are preferably adapted to overlap not only the edges of standard 2 but also portions of the end plate I3 or its insulation while suitable provision may be made to secure the enclosure to ,backplate I8. The enclosure also preferably fits down over the sides of base pan I asindicated at 21. From this it is seen that the outside air may iiow through the unit in a positively defined passageway formed partly by the substantially noiseproof enclosure 23 which cooperates with a part of the unit structure such as the standards 2, end sheet I3 and back wall I8.

To eifect further silencing of the noise and at the same time provide an improved room air inlet to the unit, we have provided the cabinet I5 which is supported preferably on the oor in slightly spaced relation to the unit and the floor. 'This arrangement not only prevents any substantial transmission of vibration from the unit to the cabinet but also provides a secondary enclosure for the motor-compressor enclosure 23', and further the space 29 beneath the lower edge of the cabinet permits room air to flow thereunder as an inlet preferably entirely around the three sides of base I. The air passing underneath the front edge of the cabinet may flow inwardly to the blower 4 between end standards 2 and 3 at the front side thereof while the air passing beneath the side edge of the cabinet ilows to the blower 4 through a suitable fan inlet formed in end standard 3, or if desired all air may be made to flow into the blower through said latter inlet thus permitting the front space between standards 2V ferred due to providing a diffusion inlet extending over a large area.

From this it is seen that the room air is caused to have a definite path formed by cooperation between the unit and cabinet without in any way interfering. with the path of outside air which remains self-contained within the unit. Also if for any reason it is desired to inspect the motorcompressor unit, it is only necessary to move the cabinet I5 to one side and remove enclosure 23 whereupon it is seen that the motor-compressor unit is entirely open and readily accessible without interference from obstructing walls, partitions or other mechanism. 'I'he room air as well as the outside air is also definitely ltered through suitable illtering mechanism such as 20.

soy

may be suitably held against the end face of l standard 3 preferably in slightly spaced relation thereto. These two filters not only accomplish the desirable results above mentioned but also serve to further reduce emanation of noise from the blowers into the room particularly in cooperation with the cabinet. Instead of filter 3l, there may be provided a piece of sheet metal to cause all air to flow to the blower through the end inet as previously mentioned.

As shown in Fig. 2, fresh air is supplied to the room by diverting a small portion of outside air from one end of outside air duct 8. 'Ihis air passes through a small opening 35, in the duct` wall, covered by small pivotally adjustable disk 36. The air then flows into the open space between the cabinet and unit to mix with the room air and now through blower 4 and over evaporator 9 to be cooled and dehumidied before entering the room. y

From the foregoing disclosures it is seen that we have provided an improved self-contained air conditioning apparatus that is adapted to be placed in a room and operate not only. efliciently but quietly due to the improved passage arrangement performing the dual functions of providing a positive air passage and noise silencer with the further advantage that the* construction is readily adapted to permit ready inspection or access to the operating mechanism and present a pleasing appearance. It is also rseen that a positive' passage is formed not only for the outside air but also for the room air and that these passages are created partly by the cooperation of the unit and cabinet without the necessity of any annoying sealing arrangements between the various members, thus allowing a highly efficient device to be made in a relatively simple and inexpensive manner without in any way sacrificing the many desirable and necessary characteristics and functions of air conditioning apparatus of the room unit type.

The disclosures herein are also applicable in` case the functions of the evaporator and condenser are interchanged so as to cause the unit to operate as a room heater.

It will of course be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made in the details of construction and arrangement of the room to said space and thence over said evaporator and back to the room.

l2. `A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a. compressor, a condenser and evaporator, means forming within Vclosing said compressor enclosure.

said unit a complete passage enclosing said com# pressor and condenser to conduct cooling air thereover, and a cabinet enclosing said unit in spaced relation thereto and having provision whereby room air flows beneath the lower edge of said cabinet and into said space and thence over said evaporator and back to the room.

3. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a base, a condenser and evaporator supported by said base, a compressor, means forming within said unit a substantially complete passageway enclosing said compressor and condenser and arranged to conduct air inwardly from one side of said unit and over said condenser and compressor and'then outwardly on the same side of the unit, and means including a cabinet enclosing said unit in spaced relation thereto and having provision whereby room air flows inwardly to said space from the outer side of said unit and thence over said evaporator and back to the room.

4. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a base, a motor-compressor unit supported at one end thereof, a condenser and evaporator extending from said compressor toward the other end of said base, means for supporting said condenser and evaporator in vertically spaced. relation to said base, air circulating means disposed beneath said condenser and evaporator for circulating air thereover, a partition between said compressor and air circulating means, and a noise silencing enclosure for said compressor cooperating with said partition.

5. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprisingnin combination, a base, a backplate extending upwardly therefrom, a condenser and evaporator, means for supporting the same at one end of said base in vertically spaced relation thereto, air circulating means disposed beneath said evaporator and condenser, a motor-com# pressor unit supported at the other end oi said base, means providing a lpartition between said compressor unit and said air circulating means,

and a removable compressor enclosure cooperating with said base, backplate and partition to form a substantially complete Walled-in space' self-contained with the unit.

6. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a base, a backplate extending upwardly therefrom, a condenser and evaporator, means for supporting the same at one end of said base in vertically spaced relationl thereto, air circulating means disposed beneath said evaporator and condenser, a motor-coinpressor unit supported at the other end of said base, means providing a partition between said compressor unit and said air circulating means, a removable compressor enclosure cooperating with said base, backplate and partition, and a cabinet for enclosing said unit and for also en- 7. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a base of relatively elongated shape in plan view, an end standard and an intermediate sheet metal standard supported on said base, a condenserand evaporator supported by said standards in spaced relation to said base, air circulating means disposed beneath said condenser and evaporator, a motorcompressor unit supported at one end of said base adjacent said intermediate standard, and a removable enclosure for said compressor cooperating with said intermediate sheet metal standard to form a substantially complete walled-in space self-contained with the unit.

8. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a base,a condenser and evaporator, means for vsupporting the latter in spaced relation to said base, a compressor, means forming a substantially complete passageway self-contained with said unit for enclosing said compressor, means disposed beneath said condenser for circulating air through said compressor enclosure and over said condenser, and means disposed beneath said evaporator for circulating air thereover.

9. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a base, a condenser and evaporator, means for supporting the latter in spaced relation to said base, a compressor, means for enclosing said compressor, means disposed beneath said condenser for circulating air through said compressor enclosure and over said condenser, means disposed beneath said evaporator for circulating air thereover, and lter means enclosing a plurality of sides of said circulating means whereby air first passes through said lters before flowing into the air circulating means beneath said blower.

10. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a base, a condenser and evaporator, means for supporting thelatter in spaced relation to said base, a compressor, means for enclosing said compressor, means disposed beneath said condenser for circulating air through said compressor enclosure and over said condenser, means disposed beneath said evaporator for circulating air thereover, illter means enclosing a plurality of sides of said circulating means whereby air ilrst passes through said lters before flowing into the air circulating means beneath said blower, and a cabinet enclosing said unit in spaced relation thereto and to the floor, thereby to permit air to flow to said lters from beneath the lower edge of said cabinet.

11. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a compressor, a condenser and evaporator, means forming within said unit a complete passage enclosing said condenser to conduct cooling air thereover, and a cabinet -enclosing said unit in open spaced relation there- 'to to provide a passageway whereby room air may ow therethrough and thence over said evaporator.

12. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a compressor, a condenser and evaporator, means forming within said unit a complete passage enclosing said condenser to conduct cooling air thereover, and a cabinet enclosing said unit in open spaced relation thereto to provide a passageway communieating with said evaporator and having provision whereby room air flows beneath the lower edge of said cabinet and into said passageway to pass over said evaporator and be cooled thereby.

13. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising,- in combination, a compressor and enclosure therefor, a condenser and evaporator, means forming within said unit a complete passage enclosing said condenser to conduct cooling air thereover, and a cabinet enclosing` said unit in open spaced relation'thereto to provide a passageway whereby room air may flow therethrough and thence over said evaporator.

14. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a compressor, a condenser and evaporator, means forming within said unit a complete passage enclosing said condenser to conduct cooling air thereover, and a cabinet supported independently of said unit and in open spaced relation thereto to provide a passageway whereby room air may ilow therethrough and thence over said evaporator. 1

15. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, a compressor, a condenser and evaporator, means forming within said unit a complete passage enclosing said condenser to conduct cooling air thereover, a cabinet supported independently of said unit and in open spaced relation thereto to provide a passageway whereby room air may iiow therethrough and thence over said evaporator, and means for diverting into said open space a portion of said condenser air to mix with said room air.

16. A self-contained air conditioning room unit comprising, in combination, complementary heat exchange elements, means forming within said unit a complete passage enclosing one of said heat exchange elements to conduct cooling air thereover, and a cabinet enclosing said unit and spaced from said means to provide therebetween a passageway through which room air ilows to the other oi' said heat exchange elements. 

